brighton rock
New member
Chelsea agree Cole fee
It's been a difficult decision but I feel it is time to leave West Ham
Joe Cole
Chelsea's shopping list
Chelsea have agreed a £6.6m fee with West Ham for midfielder Joe Cole.
The 21-year-old still has to agree personal terms and undergo a medical, but should he sign it will take Chelsea's spending so far this summer to £43m.
The deal is expected to be concluded in time for the Champions League deadline on Thursday.
Under new Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovich, Chelsea have lavished £37m on four players.
Damien Duff, Geremi, Wayne Bridge and former West Ham right-back Glen Johnson have all joined Abramovich's Stamford Bridge revolution.
And Chelsea are believed to be close to concluding a £15m move for Manchester United's Juan Sebastian Veron.
West Ham director Trevor Brooking had already revealed on Tuesday that the Hammers may be forced to make "one more significant sale" to finance the rebuilding of their own squad.
But Cole's exit from Upton Park will be the last sanctioned by the West Ham board this summer.
Man Utd 'want more for Veron'
A West Ham statement read: "Everyone at the club is extremely sorry to see Joe leave Upton Park, but wish him the very best of luck at his new club.
"Following 18 months of very amicable discussions between Joe, the club, his father and his agents, it was made clear that Joe would not consider extending his contract past its expiry at the end of the coming season.
"He believed that his international career would be enhanced by regular European club competition experience.
"Had Joe left the club at the end of the season, West Ham United would have been entitled to compensation because he was still under 23.
"However, this figure would have been below £500,000 had he gone to a foreign club, possibly higher to an English club.
"This transfer now ensures that no further sales will be necessary following the financial implications of the relegation.
"The priority will now be bringing players in to strengthen the squad ahead of the forthcoming season."
Cole, who has been at West Ham since joining them as a trainee, admitted it was a wrench to leave Upton Park.
He said: "It's been a difficult decision but I feel it is time to leave West Ham.
"I still have great affection for the club and I would like to think that I could return here some time in the future."
It's been a difficult decision but I feel it is time to leave West Ham
Joe Cole
Chelsea's shopping list
Chelsea have agreed a £6.6m fee with West Ham for midfielder Joe Cole.
The 21-year-old still has to agree personal terms and undergo a medical, but should he sign it will take Chelsea's spending so far this summer to £43m.
The deal is expected to be concluded in time for the Champions League deadline on Thursday.
Under new Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovich, Chelsea have lavished £37m on four players.
Damien Duff, Geremi, Wayne Bridge and former West Ham right-back Glen Johnson have all joined Abramovich's Stamford Bridge revolution.
And Chelsea are believed to be close to concluding a £15m move for Manchester United's Juan Sebastian Veron.
West Ham director Trevor Brooking had already revealed on Tuesday that the Hammers may be forced to make "one more significant sale" to finance the rebuilding of their own squad.
But Cole's exit from Upton Park will be the last sanctioned by the West Ham board this summer.
Man Utd 'want more for Veron'
A West Ham statement read: "Everyone at the club is extremely sorry to see Joe leave Upton Park, but wish him the very best of luck at his new club.
"Following 18 months of very amicable discussions between Joe, the club, his father and his agents, it was made clear that Joe would not consider extending his contract past its expiry at the end of the coming season.
"He believed that his international career would be enhanced by regular European club competition experience.
"Had Joe left the club at the end of the season, West Ham United would have been entitled to compensation because he was still under 23.
"However, this figure would have been below £500,000 had he gone to a foreign club, possibly higher to an English club.
"This transfer now ensures that no further sales will be necessary following the financial implications of the relegation.
"The priority will now be bringing players in to strengthen the squad ahead of the forthcoming season."
Cole, who has been at West Ham since joining them as a trainee, admitted it was a wrench to leave Upton Park.
He said: "It's been a difficult decision but I feel it is time to leave West Ham.
"I still have great affection for the club and I would like to think that I could return here some time in the future."
